Discernment, Not Desperation: Why Employers Need You Just As Much As You Need Them

With a rough job market, it’s understandable for an individual to say “yes” to any job that comes their way. But before you accept the offer, it’s important that you exercise your right to ask questions and make sure that the position you are accepting is beneficial to your career. Below are some key questions to ask the employer and yourself about a job that will help protect your career in the long run:

Ask about your salary: Even in your career, it’s important to set standards and make sure that a company isn’t abusing your labor. One of the first things you should ask before accepting a job is how much will you get paid. If you feel the pay is too low, utilize your right to negotiate your salary to ensure that your pay matches the work you will be doing for a company.

Ask about benefits: Not all jobs offer benefits, which is why it’s important to see what benefits, if any, your new job may have. One of the worst mistakes a professional can make is blindly accepting a position without knowing whether or not they have health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan or personal/sick leave.

Ask about advancement: Nobody wants to be stagnant in their career, so before saying “yes” to a job, you should ask yourself “Is there room for me to grow in this company?” If the answer to that question is no, then you may want to start your job hunt all over again even if you do accept the position for the time being.